The Vlog That's Only a Month Late

Well, I had full intention of posting this vlog a month ago but hey I may have passed out or thrown up in the middle of it.

So, I guess batter late than never. Here you go! 

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Individual Pumpkin Pies

I have been dying to make anything pumpkin so I whipped up these individual pumpkin pies. I simply used giant muffin cups. This recipe will make one 9" pie or 6 giant muffin cup pies.

I topped them with a little cinnamon whip cream.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Whisk pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices and salt in medium bowl until smooth. Pour into crust. Bake 15 minutes.
2.	Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool. Garnish as desired. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

 Enjoy. Hope you have a wonderful Monday!!!!  Pin It

The 17 week Questionnaire

HAPPY SUNDAY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!!!!!!

I just want to take a moment to let you all  know how wonderful my husband has been. We have decided as a family he should probably go and get a part time job and he has been out here pounding the pavement every moment that he doesn't have the kids. I am so grateful to him. I really did marry a wonderful man who will support me and our children no matter what. 

Thank you Hubby. I love you and I appreciate you!!!!

How far along? 17 Weeks

Baby’s Size: Not Sure

Weight Gain: 20 pounds, YUP 20 big ones and EVERYONE feels the need to chime in about it which infuriates me. I am already sensitive about my weight and I'm pregnant for crying out loud. Not to mentionit's my THIRD baby in 3 years. What do you expect??? I went to my OBGYN and she was like, "well you know you have already gained 20 POUNDS!!!!! HELLO I KNOW!!!!! I eat sensibly and ran 20  miles a week until 2 weeks ago. Now I walk two miles a day so what do you want me to do? I was a size 4 before I got pregnant. Can't get too much smaller than that. It's like they make you feel like a criminal and like your hurting your baby. I'm not even that big for crying out loud. I don;t know. I suppose I am just sensitive but I am SICK.AND.TIRED.OF.IT!!!!!!

LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! 

Bellybutton: in

Stretchmarks: just a million old ones

Maternity Clothes: Last week I had to pull out the maternity bottoms but I can still mostly wear normal tops.

Names: If it's a boy we will name him after my bother, if it's a girl we finally have one name kinda picked out and no I won't tell until he/'she is born.

Gender: Surprise baby

Movement:Yes, last week I felt the little bugger kicking around for the first time and he/she continues to do so.

Sleep:I have been sleeping better but I am still up about 10 times a night. 

Symptoms: Feeling okay. Not nearly as grouchy. I am starting to get that itchy pregnancy skin for sure and an overwhelming desire to bake everything in sight! 

Food Aversions: none. I love food

Food Cravings: oreos and milk, sourdough toast and green Chile. I love HOT food when I'm pregnant. I'm lucky I never get heart burn! 

Best Moments this week: Being with my family! 

What I miss: RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

What I am Looking forward to: Meeting the new baby. I am dying to know the sex. such a fun surprise! and the running a marathon

Milestones: felt the baby kickin'

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Inspirational Interview with Janae from Hungry Runner Girl

I have another great inspirational interview for you today!!!!

Janae is the author of HUNGRY RUNNER GIRL. She might just be one of the sweetest people in the blogosphere and her happiness is contagious.

She always has a HUGE smile on her face, she just had a gorgeous little baby girl and of course is running more than ever. Plus she's an amazing athlete.

Her PR marathon time is 3:04!!!! WHOA! GO GIRL!!!! I can only pray one day I will be that fast!!!!

Janae's blog is really fun because it updates it twice a day!!!! HELLO entertainment!!! I love that and SHE LOVES FOOD!!!!! This is a girl after my own heart!

SO without further ado let me introduce you to the lovely Janae aka HUNGRY RUNNER GIRL!!!!!

1. Why did you start running? 

I started running when I was 12 years old.  My older sister would go running at night and my mom didn't want her going alone so she sent me to go with her.   We had a lot of fun together but it took me a while to start liking running. Once I felt stronger and more comfortable on my runs I became hooked on the sport.

2. Does your running interfere with your "day" job or is running your "day job?  When do you have time to train? 4. How many miles a week do you run and do you follow a specific training plan? 

I am not currently following a specific training plan but for previous marathons and important races I did.  Now that I have a little girl I run when she naps which is usually at about 10 a.m. everyday.  When I was working as a teacher I would run at 5 in the morning and that is what worked best with my work and family schedule.  I am currently running 40-50 miles a week.

3. About how many races a year do you run and what's your favorite distance?  

I typically run 10 races a year but that may change now with a child.  I will probably focus on 5 key races each year.  My favorite distance is the marathon.  For some strange reason I love running for hours and doing it with other runners makes it even better.

4. Tell us what your favorite race of all time was. I know HARD question?  

My absolute favorite race was when I got my personal best marathon time at the Top of Utah Marathon.  Everything worked out so perfectly that day.  It was a gorgeous course and the temperatures were perfect.  I was very positive throughout the race and didn't hit the wall as hard as previous marathons because I was smarter about my fueling throughout the race.  It was an incredible feeling to cross the finish line with a new record!

5. Does your husband run as well? If so, do you ever do races together?

My husband does run! He started really training a little over a year ago and he is very fast.  We have run two races together and they were a blast.  I am hoping that we will be able to run many more races together in the future and he even promised that he would run a marathon with me at some point.  When I first met him he didn't like running at all so it is so fun to see him enjoy it so much now.

6. How does it make you feel to be such an accomplished runner? Let's face it Janea Your Fast.

You are really nice:)  I love running and I love setting new goals for myself.  I love training to reach those goals and I can't wait to improve.

7. Do you have a just a few tips to help any of my readers who are not runners but desperately want to be? 

I love hearing about people wanting to get into running, it makes me so happy because I want other people to enjoy all of the benefits of running too.  I think that first you need to make sure you have good shoes.  Go to a running shoe store to be fitted for shoes that are right for you.  I would focus on running for time in the beginning rather than distance.  Start with a goal like running for 5 minutes followed by walking and increase the time each week. The couch to 5k plan (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) is a great plan to follow for beginners!  Find a buddy to run with.  One of my favorite things about running is running with other people and it is so motivating to have a running partner.  Think of some rewards that will help motivate you to reach your goals.  I like to buy new running gear (shorts, tops etc) once I meet a goal or getting a massage is also a great reward for meeting your running goals.  My last tip for new runners is to sign up for a race like a 5k or 10k.  Once you pay the money for a race you will be more likely to stick to running!  Know that running is hard for everyone! It gets easier but we all start at the beginning and experience the same things you are experiencing and for most people it takes time to really grow to love running.

8. I am desperate to work on my speed. One of my biggest goals is to Qualify for Boston. Any advice on speed work and what works the best for you?

I think that it is very important to include speed work and hill work into your training to get faster.  It takes time and dedication to get faster but I truly believe that everyone can get faster.  I wrote a post about my favorite ways to get faster here:

http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/2012/02/how-to-become-a-faster-runner.html

9. Do you follow a specific diet plan or just try to eat healthy to keep your weight down, miss skinny mini 2 seconds after having a baby?

I do not follow a specific diet plan.  I try to eat healthy but I love sweets more than anyone you know:)

10. Do you plan on running races for the rest of your life? 

I would love to continue to run races for the rest of my life.  I love the racing atmosphere and everything about it.  There is so much excitement and it is so fun to talk to runners of all ages and from all over the world.  Running the NYC Marathon was incredible because I was able to talk to so many different people about their love for running.

 12. If you ever had the chance to go pro, would you take it?

HECK YEAH! That would be awesome:)  I have some big goals in terms of running but I also have big goals in other areas of my life so I don't think I will dedicate the amount of time and training it takes to become pro.  For now I am just going to continue to run everyday and love it for the amazing benefits. Getting some pr's will be really nice too.

13. What are your favorite things about running?

My absolute favorite thing about running is the mental aspect.  I love the endorphins after a good run and there is nothing that relieves stress more for me than running does.  I could be in the worst mood before a run and afterwards I feel so much better.  I also love the social parts of running, I have had some of the best conversations with my husband, with my family or friends during a run!

THANK YOU SO MUCH JANAE!!!!!! 

I read Janae's blog daily and just love it. She's got such a positive, contagious outlook on life!!!! 
Go check her out HERE 


Read more inspirational running interviews HERE

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Fall Berry Oatmeal

Fall is definitely in the air here in New Mexico. I am always looking for something new to cook for the kiddoes. They love apple, cinnamon oatmeal so this morning I decided to try a warm berry oatmeal and it was a huge hit. They both ate 2 bowls. YAY! 

Recipe:

1 cup of whole oats chopped (the kids love this texture)

2 cups milk 

1.5 cups frozen mixed berries

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon honey

Heat milk in a pot until just about to boil, add chopped oats, chia seeds and honey and simmer for about 5 minuets. Then add the frozen berries and simmer another few minuets. 

Finished. 

Garnish with a few fresh berries if you have them on hand. 

I promise your kids will eat this!!! 

I have some great posts coming up. I have a new  great inspirational running interview, miniature pumpkin pie recipe, and some more pics of my giant belly! 
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Seventeen Weeks

Well, I think it's safe to say last week, "I popped"

I am now 17 weeks and look about 7 months but I think that's what happens when you have 3 babies in 3 years.

I won this adorable clutch on my friend friend Lindsay's Blog

Shirt: Emerson Fry

Leggings: Motherhood

Boots: Cork Ease

Clutch: Adele Grace

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Just Plain Gorgeous!

Every week my family and I go on a hike. I think it's really important to get the kids into a healthy, outdoor exercise routine. Plus they have a BLAST!!! They run and run and run......get all that energy out!!!! 

Plus, just look how gorgeous this is. Our city lies at about 7000 feet but we drive about a half hour to get up here in the mountains and it's probably about 10,000 feet. Right now all the Aspens are changing so it's breathtaking. The perfect time for a hike!!!! 

It's amazing how much difference a couple weeks makes. I am almost 17 weeks now. I had an appointment with my OBGYN this week and we heard the baby's heart loud and clear right away! Made my heart happy! 

There is something special about being pregnant. There is a certain energy surrounding you. About a week ago I stopping having horrible morning sickness and almost feel whole again. I have been baking and cooking, cleaning a little bit (key work little) and trying to be kind to my husband. Poor man! 

We even found this amazing Tee Pee on our hike which the kids adored!

We had a bit of a gourmet picnic to boot.

My sweet, beautiful girl! 

Happiest little man I know. He melts my heart!

That's all for now folks. Off to work for a couple days. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 
Please remember how short, delicate and precious life can be. I have learned this the painful way many times and had a very real reminder a couple days ago! Please hold your loved ones tight, tell them you love them. Be grateful for the moments you share!   Pin It

On Life Lately

What have I been up to??

Well, after running about 20 miles a week for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, I decided to call it quits. I don't have any pain when I run but I just feel heavy and yucky. So, I decided it was time to throw in the towel. I have the rest of my life to run after this 3rd little pumpkin pops out! (unless of course Mizuno decides to send me a pair of their new running shoe line......in that case, I'll be running in no time!!!! hint, hint, MIZUNO!!

SO I have been walking about 2 miles a day with the kiddoes in the stroller instead! We usually walk to the grocery everyday! We also go on at least one family hike a week! 

Last weekend my mom, my sister and all our kids went to the local Renaissance fair. It was a bit much for me as it was hot and I had to carry the babies a lot and I was a bit tired and nauseous that day but a blast either way. The kids had so much fun!!!! 

I WON AN AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!!!

I won an entire case of CORE POWER from Lisa at Yo Momma Runs. I am beyond excited!!!!! I LOVE winning giveaways. It ALWAYS always makes my day. I think I'll try a couple and them put them under my bed for after the baby when I start in on some serious 20 mile runs again! WHOOPIE!!!! 

Thanks Lisa!!!! Love her BLOG!!!!!!! A daily read for sure. You should go by and say hello. She is a lovely, lovely lady, has 4 kids and runs like a maniac!!!! Hello, super mom!

Thanks Lisa!!!

I also don't feel so bad about slowing down a bit with my blog. I was so sad when I wrote that post. 
I cried! 
Then that very same week I was browsing around reading all my favorite blogs and I realized that I was not the only one that has these feelings of being over whelmed. Oh and on a side note, the moment I took my "hiatus" my facebook page reached 700 fans and I got 3 offers from outside sources to partner with them??? go figure! I think it;s safe to say after one week, I'M BACK!!!!!!
Both of these ladies had similar posts on their blogs too that very same week and it was EXACTLY what I needed to read. These are two of my daily reads.
Laura from Bits of Splendor had a post on "No pressure blogging". You can read it here! Bits of Splendor

And Nina from Mamma Go Round took a 3 month hiatus. You can read her post here! Mamma Go Round

Thanks ladies for making feel not alone! 


AND SOME GREAT NEWS!!!!!!

I also got invited to be a SWEAT PINK AMBASSADOR. What an honor! Thank you Sweat Pink!!!!!

So I am really excited about that!!!! I love being part of groups and supporting things I love like RUNNNING AND SWEATING!!!! 
I will soon be sporting some hot pink shoe laces and a sweat pink tank!!!!!! WHOOPIE!!! 
A little snipit about what Sweat Pink is all about. "We believe that kicking ass is best done in pretty shoes. We’ve learned that real women sweat, and sweat hard. We know that assertiveness, strength, and ambition are the ultimate feminine qualities. We concede that sometimes it takes hours to get ready, but we’re also no strangers to just rolling out of bed and going. We’re convinced that we run faster in pink shoelaces. We believe in pushing ourselves, and we believe in giving ourselves a break, too. We’re all about the rush of endorphins and the thrill of the challenge. We’re all for looking great and feeling even better. We’re committed to finding our best fit, and making it stick."

AND.......thanks to all of you for sticking with me through thick and thin!  Pin It

Individual Apple Streusel Pies

From our apple picking expedition last week we have 40 pounds of apples so I have been baking every apple thing in sight! Today I made mini apple pies with streusel topping. 
Might be the best apple pie I ever made. Just sayin'

For the Crumb Topping:

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 sticks of butter, melted

For The Apple Filling:

8-10 peeled, cored, and diced apples 

1/4 cup of water

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1/2 cup of white sugar

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 stick of butter 

pinch of salt

For The Crust: 

either use 2 store bought crusts or use one portion of this recipe. divide into 6 small balls and roll out into 6 inch circles. Place inside each GIANT MUFFIN TIN and fill with apple filling. Then place crumb topping on top and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

For the filling combine everything into a small saucepan and simmer until melted and combined. Set aside until ready to fill extra large muffin cups after the dough has been rolled out and placed inside the muffin cups.

For the crumb topping mix all dry ingredients with a whisk, once combined, add the melted butter and stir. IT will make large wet lumps. This is perfect. You can now crumble the lumps up if you wish to get the desired size.

Now add your apple filling on top of your crust being sure to leave a little room for the crumb topping. Now top with crumb topping bake for one hour  on a low oven wrack or cover the crumb topping for about 15 minuets so it doesn't get too dark and crispy. Enjoy with ice cream! 

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